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Neptune Pine Smartwatch

Extra

Neptune Pine

The Neptune Pine, a smartwatch developed by Canadian teenager Simon Tian, has raised more than 200,000 Canadian dollars on Kickstarter less than a week after it launched on the crowdfunding site. The news comes after a flurry of smartwatch launches that have drawn criticism for their steep prices and unrefined features.

Described as “the most connected independent smartwatch”, the Pine comes with a Sim card that allows the wearer to make calls, send text messages and use GPS services – independent of a smartphone. The smartwatch detaches from its strap to function as a standalone device. It also has a front and back camera.

“The success of the Neptune Pine points to a consumer desire for a smartwatch that is not tethered to another device,” said Claire Walsh, senior editor of product design at Stylus.

She went on: “In the future, wearables could move from their current status as satellite devices to become standalone gadgets that boast complex functionality. However, the aesthetic will have to be refined in order for it to appeal to an audience beyond tech enthusiasts and early adopters.”